Philanthropedia, a division of Guidestar, and Minnesota Philanthropy Partners, which supports charitable organizations like The Saint Paul Foundation, Minnesota Community Foundation, and more than 1,700 additional charitable affiliates across Minnesota, today announced the results of custom research that identifies the top 20 nonprofits working to support the education of Minnesota’s at-risk youth. The Bridge for Youth earned the number two spot on the list.

“We’re honored to receive this recognition for our work with homeless, runaway, and abandoned youth and their families,” said The Bridge for Youth Executive Director Dan Pfarr. “And, we’re honored to be in such good company with other outstanding organizations across the state,” he added.

The Top 20 list was compiled by 85 experts from across the non profit sector and included foundation professionals, researchers, and senior non profit staff. Tasked with identifying organizations having the greatest impact on a local level, the team assessed 119 organizations serving at-risk youth before narrowing the list to 20. The Bridge was lauded for providing a continuum of services to help youth and families at all stages of a crisis. The Bridge’s core services include a 24-hour crisis hotline, 24-hour emergency and extended stay shelter programs, counseling, and support groups.

“Family conflict and instability are barriers to school success,” said Pfarr. “We work to diffuse family conflict and to help kids and families identify strengths so that healing can begin.” Last year, The Bridge served 1,200 youth and their families. 85% of those accessing the emergency shelter returned to their families or to a safe alternative .